Cap for showing high ponytail

ABSTRACT

A cap including at least a first and a second rear panel, wherein each of the first and second rear panels are removably affixable to each other and wherein each of said first and second rear panels includes a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side and a fifth side. Four of the five sides of each of the first and second rear panels are linear and one of the five sides is substantially curved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/546,793 filed Aug. 17, 2017.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to caps with a rear structure for allowing a high-positioned ponytail or bun to protrude. More particularly, the invention relates to caps and hats with two rear panels which can open and close with a fastener assembly, creating a substantially vertical oval-shaped hole.

2. Background of the Invention

While baseball caps with a conventional shape allow users to stick out their ponytails, they generally limit the location of ponytail. Namely, in conventional baseball caps, a ponytail can protrude only through the space between the upside-down “U” shape of two back panels and the snap.

Based on focus group research, aesthetic needs regarding hair style options worn with baseball caps were identified. In most of the cases, consumers wear baseball caps with their hair down or tied in a ponytail located in the bottom-center of the rear of their heads (i.e., at the nape of their neck). Currently, there exists a cap which addresses this issue by simply cutting a hole above the “U” shape.

However, conventional caps have some drawbacks, particularly in terms of lack of ease of use. When the hair is tied up into a high ponytail, it is difficult to put the cap on. In addition, pulling the ponytail out through such a small hole at the bottom of the cap takes some effort and can damage the hair. Thus, it is also difficult to put the cap on and off without damaging the hair style.

Accordingly, an improved cap which enables the user to wear a ponytail hairstyle, without damage or discomfort, and provides ease of use, is highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a cap which accommodates a user's ponytail or bun hairstyle, in particular, a ponytail or bun which is located between the middle portion and upper portion of the rear of their heads. Advantageously, the present invention provides a cap which enables the user to wear and maintain a high ponytail or bun, while being comfortable and easy to wear and remove, without damaging the hairstyle or quality of the hair.

According to an aspect of the present invention,

These, and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described or become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a cap, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a closure mechanism in an open position;

FIG. 2 illustrates rear panels of the cap in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the cap in FIG. 1, with the closure mechanism in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a cap according to another embodiment of the present invention, with a closure system in a closed position; and

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the cap of FIG. 4, with the cap having the closure system in an open position.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not necessarily the only possible configurations for illustrating the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cap in accordance with an aspect of the present invention can be worn by a user while at the same time, enabling the user to easily and neatly wear their hair in a style which has a ‘high’ ponytail or bun, namely, wherein the ponytail or bun protrudes from the general rear area of head in between the top and bottom of the head.

Advantageously, a cap according to an aspect of the present invention provides inimitable ease of use for the user, in being easy to apply and remove from the head in a comfortable manner, without pulling on the hair, ruining the hairstyle, or requiring the user to undo and redo their hairstyle (ponytail or bun).

Further, such a cap according to an aspect of the present invention not only promotes comfort for the user, but also enhances aesthetic appeal by elevating and improving support of the ponytail/bun and providing a neat appearance.

An exemplary cap 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in and will now be described with respect to the various views of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, the cap 100 comprises a plurality of panels which may comprise two adjoining front panels comprising a first front panel 101 and a second front panel 103 each connected to a respective left side panel 105 and a right side panel 107. A brim structure 109 may optionally be provided connected to at least a portion of the front panels 101, 103 for providing sun glare protection.

Each side panel 105, 107 comprises a respective outer edge 109, 111. A first outer edge 109 of the left side panel 105 adjoins and is affixed to a first rear panel 113. A second outer edge 111 of the right side panel 107 adjoins and is affixed to a second rear panel 115.

The first and second rear panels 113, 115 may be releasably attachable to each other via a fastener assembly 117. Such fastener assembly 117 may comprise, e.g., a hook and loop fastening system, eyes and hooks, buttons, snaps and the like.

The cap 100 may be constructed of one or more materials having suitable properties for the desired application, for example, such as any kinds of natural and/or synthetic fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool, and any combinations thereof, and may include features such as mesh panels, elasticized panels, elastic, etc.

FIG. 2 depicts a view of the individual two rear panels 113, 115. In one exemplary embodiment, each rear panel 113, 115 comprises five sides. For example, left side rear panel 113 comprises first side 201, second side 202, third side 203, fourth side 204 and fifth side 205. Right side rear panel comprises first side 206, second side 207, third side 208, fourth side 209 and fifth side 210.

In one embodiment, each rear panel 113, 115 is substantially a mirror image of each other. In one embodiment of a finished cap 100, each panel 113, 115 is attached together via at least their respective second sides 202, 207 (e.g., at their top parts) to form a seam 301, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

In one exemplary embodiment, each second side 202, 207 comprises the shortest side of all the five sides, and may comprise for example, a length of about one inch.

In one exemplary embodiment, elements of the fastener assembly 117 may be affixed adjacent to or near each of the respective fourth sides 204 and 209. In this embodiment, the rear panels 113, 115 may be removably affixed or affixable to each other at the ‘flaps’ or tabs formed by the fourth sides 204, 209, which may be overlapped onto each other to enable the elements of the fastener assembly 117 to join and be connected.

In one exemplary embodiment, the third sides 203, 208 are curved or substantially curved, such that they define an elongated aperture 303 when the fastener assembly 117 is in a closed position. For example, the aperture 303 may be in an elongated oval shape, located in a central area of the rear of the cap 100, and between the top 305 and bottom 307 of the cap 100.

In one exemplary embodiment, each of the first sides 201, 206, second sides 202, 207, fourth sides 204, 209 and fifth sides 205, 210 are substantially linear.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cap 100 where the panels 113, 115 are in a closed position. For example, as shown, the aperture 303 is of an elongated oval shape which starts beneath the top center of the crown (top) of the cap 100. In one embodiment, the curved third sides 203, 208 of the oval shaped open section are advantageously designed to keep the oval aperture 303 as slim (narrow) as possible. In one exemplary embodiment, when the panels 113, 115 are in a closed position, a maximum width 309 of the aperture 303 is about less than or equal to 1.75 inches.

The aperture 303 as shaped advantageously provides a comfortable and more forgiving opening, allowing the hair to move, providing increased air-flow and improved comfort. The elongated oval shaped hole 303, in particular, allows for greatly improved freedom of hair movement and thus allows the hair to exit and protrude from the cap 100 with comfort.

Thus, a cap according to the present invention enables the user's hair to more naturally escape the confines of the cap, and not just be limited to any specific direction or within only a small area.

FIGS. 4-5 depict an exemplary alternate embodiment of a hat 400 comprising rear flaps 401, 403 having a fastener assembly 405. The hat 400 may comprise, e.g., a beanie style (with or without any brim) which may be comprised of any material or fabric, e.g., any kinds of natural and/or synthetic fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool, and any combinations thereof, and may include features such as mesh panels, elasticized panels, elastic, etc.

In one exemplary embodiment, the rear flaps 401, 403 fasten to each other in an overlapping manner. When in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 4,), the rear flaps 401, 403 define an aperture 409 which may comprise an oval or a substantially oval shape, and is located at approximately the mid-point of the rear of the hat 400.

The aperture 409 as shaped and described advantageously provides a comfortable and more forgiving opening, allowing the hair to move, providing increased air-flow and improved comfort. The oval shaped hole 409, in particular, allows for greatly improved freedom of hair movement and thus allows the hair to exit and protrude from the hat 400 with comfort.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other alterations, modifications and improvements may be affected therein by one skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. This invention should be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cap comprising at least a first and a second rear panel, wherein each of the first and second rear panels are removably affixable to each other and wherein each of said first and second rear panels comprises a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side and a fifth side; wherein four of said five sides of each of the first and second rear panels are linear and wherein one of said five sides is substantially curved.
 2. The cap of claim 1, further comprising a left side panel and a right side panel, wherein a first outer edge of the left side panel is affixed to the first rear panel; and wherein a second outer edge of the right side panel is affixed to the second rear panel.
 3. The cap of claim 2, further comprising at least two adjoined front panels, wherein a first front panel is connected to the left side panel, and a second front panel is connected to the right side panel.
 4. The cap of claim 1, wherein the fourth side of the first and second rear panels comprises a fastener assembly.
 5. The cap of claim 4, wherein first and second rear panels are removably affixed to each other at the fourth side via the fastener assembly, by overlapping their respective fourth sides to form a closed position.
 6. The cap of claim 5, wherein the fastener assembly comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 7. The cap of claim 5, wherein when in the closed position, each respective third side of the first and second rear panels define an elongate aperture.
 8. The cap of claim 7, wherein the elongate aperture comprises an elongate oval shape and is located in a central area of the rear of the cap.
 9. The cap of claim 1, wherein each of the third sides of the first and second rear panels are substantially curved.
 10. The cap of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, fourth and fifth sides of the first and second rear panels are substantially linear.
 11. The cap of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second rear panels is substantially a mirror image of each other.
 12. The cap of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second rear panels are affixed to each other at each of their respective second sides to form a seam.
 13. The cap of claim 1, wherein the second side of each of the first and second rear panels comprises the shortest length.
 14. A cap comprising: a plurality of panels comprising at least two adjoined front panels, wherein a first front panel is connected to a left side panel having a first outer edge, and a second front panel is connected to a right side panel having a second outer edge; wherein the first outer edge of the left side panel is affixed to a first rear panel; wherein a second outer edge of the right side panel is affixed to a second rear panel; wherein each of the first and second rear panels comprises five sides and are removably affixable to each other.
 15. The cap of claim 14, wherein the first and second rear panels are removably affixed to each other at a fourth side via the fastener assembly, by overlapping their respective fourth sides to form a closed position.
 16. The cap of claim 15, wherein when in the closed position, each respective third side of the first and second rear panels define an elongate aperture.
 17. The cap of claim 16, wherein the elongate aperture comprises an elongate oval shape and is located in a central area of the rear of the cap.
 18. The cap of claim 14, wherein one side of each of the first and second rear panels is substantially curved.
 19. The cap of claim 14, wherein four sides of each of the first and second rear panels are substantially linear.
 20. The cap of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second rear panels is substantially a mirror image of each other. 